Happy Thursday, Squamish!
There have been a few Environment Canada weather alerts to note.
Currently, there's a snowfall warning in effect.
"A low-pressure system will approach Howe Sound on Friday. Light flurries this morning will intensify by midday and continue through Friday, tapering off around midnight. Total snowfall could accumulate up to 20 cm. Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions," reads the warning.
We will see a high of 3C, but it will feel like -5 C this morning, due to the wind chill.
Overnight, expect rain mixed with wet snow. Snowfall could total 5 cm over higher terrain.
Sunrise on Jan. 30 is at 7:48 a.m. Sunset today will be at 5:04 p.m.
Winter tires
Don't forget, since Oct. 1, winter tires or chains are required on the Sea to Sky Highway. It is the law.
"Passenger vehicles and light trucks need to use tires that have the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol or 'M+S' on the sidewall. This applies to two-wheel, all-wheel, and four-wheel drive vehicles. The tires need to be in good condition and have a tread depth of at least 3.5 mm (5/32”)," reads the 4 Road Safety at Work site.
"Designated winter tires are your best option for staying safe in winter conditions. We recommend using a set of four matched winter tires with the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol."
The tires must stay on through to March 31. Not having proper winter tires or chains can earn drivers a fine of $121.
Moon phase
The moon is in its new moon phase.
The moon's illumination is currently 1.37%.
It is currently located in the constellation of Aquarius, according to phasesmoon.com.
B.C. extremes
Yesterday's hot spot in all of B.C. was Tatlayoko Lake (in Cariboo Chilcotin Region), which saw a high of 10.4 C, according to Environment Canada data.
(The high at Squamish Airport yesterday was 7.3 C.)
The coldest spot in B.C. on Jan. 29 was Puntzi Mountain (near Williams Lake), which dipped to -22.2 C.
Seawater temp
According to seatemperature.info, the water temperature in Howe Sound today is 6.4 C.
January average water temperature in Howe Sound is 6.5 C, the minimum temperature is 5.1 C, and the maximum is 7.8 C.
Avalanche Forecast
According to avalog.co, today, the alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low.
The advice for today from avalog.co is:
"Thursday will be the last day of low avalanche danger before a major storm moves in tonight."
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Periods of low danger may be a good time to increase your exposure.
Sea to Sky Gondola
The Sea to Sky Gondola is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, with the last download at 6 p.m.
Did you know you can ice skate up at the Sea to Sky Gondola?
You can at Wonderland Lake. And it is free, while conditions last.
It is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Take the backcountry access road for best access.
Bring their own skates, as rentals are not available on-site.
(See conditions at the gondola.)
Dumpster fire
Did you see smoke last Friday?
Squamish Fire Rescue crews confirm that firefighters responded to a report of a dumpster fire on Jan. 24 at approximately 8:19 p.m. in the 3900 block of Government Road.
There were no reported injuries from this fire.
"When the first crew arrived on the scene, they discovered a fully involved dumpster fire," reads an email from the District of Squamish, another crew followed.
The crews put out the fire, which was mostly wood products.
"Both crews stayed on scene on the fire until it was 100% extinguished."
Good news!
Who says the news always has to be bad!
On Friday, the Squamish Hospital Foundation announced on its social media that thanks to the Whistler Healthcare Foundation, Squamish Hospital now has a Wireless Pediatric Vital Signs Monitor worth more than $9,000.
That is good news.
Know of something good happening in town that would fit here? Email [email protected].
Events to note
There's always something going on in this town. Here's a couple of upcoming events that stood out to us.
Jan. 31, get your belly laughs as Bomb Comedy Presents: The Big Fat Comedy Show with Shanda Leer, at Trickster's Hideout at 38005 Cleveland Ave. from 7 to 10 p.m.
"This month, we’re delighted to have The Established, Shanda Leer in the headline spot. Comedian, singer, and dancer, Shanda is a treasured Vancouver drag legend seen on film, CBC Gem, JFL Vancouver, and most recently, voted second best comedian in The Georgia Straight’s Best of Vancouver 2024," reads the listing.
Feb. 5, if you are into wood, check out TWIG, Wood First Wednesday at The Men's Shed, at 38201 3rd Ave., from 6 to 8 p.m.
"Come by the Men's Shed and learn about their organization. They will be bringing out various planes for people to use and check out. Snacks will be available," reads the listing.
Also Feb. 5, save the date for Nerd Nite February, at the Brackendale Art Gallery, at 41950 Government Rd., from 7 to 10 p.m.
Here's the line-up for this night of learning:
• SNORING with Chella Bear: Snoring is common, but it is not normal. Why do so many people snore and why is it so unhealthy?
• DATING FOR THE BIRDS with Thor Veen: Come along for a journey exploring the intricacies of finding the best mate as a female Collared Flycatcher (a small bird living in the Swedish woodlands). From pursuing the male with the biggest white patch on his forehead to cheating on your partner and avoiding mating with a male of a closely related species. Or maybe not when you are late in the season and you can sneak off to visit the next door neighbour…. Life ain’t simple for a bird.
•TRAUMA INFORMED PRACTICES with Sarah Leanne Hart: Learn a little bit more about what exactly trauma is, how it manifests, and how you can be trauma informed in your everyday interactions.
There are many more events coming up; go to our online events calendar to see them all! Want a possible shout-out in our daily report? Load your event into our free calendar by clicking "Create an event."
Loca driving issues to note:
Traffic Impact Notice
The District says to expect changes to traffic patterns along The Boulevard in Garibaldi Highlands.
There will be minor impacts on Jan. 30.
"During closures, a detour will be in place via Kintyre Drive and Lomond Way. Parking, bike lanes, and sidewalks will be inaccessible during work hours from 8 am to 6 pm," the District said on its social media.
"This work involves installing electrical upgrades. Please follow signage and directions from traffic personnel. Thank you for your patience and understanding as this work is completed."
No parking
• Parking on select streets in Squamish is now restricted to one side only, until March 1, 2025.
"This ensures snow plows and emergency vehicles can safely navigate during winter conditions," says the District.
"Vehicles parking on the No Parking side of the street may be ticketed and towed at any time to ensure community safety. The fine for impeding snow removal is $250."
Affected streets:
- Hemlock Avenue - Cedar Drive to Spruce Drive
- Chestnut Avenue - Cedar Drive to Spruce Drive
- Fir Street - Pine Drive to Spruce Dr.
- Third Avenue - Pemberton Avenue to Winnipeg Street (No parking on East side); Pemberton Avenue to Vancouver Street (No parking on West side)
- Fourth Avenue - Winnipeg Street to Main Street (No parking on West side)
- Fifth Avenue - Winnipeg Street to Main Street. (No parking on West side)
- Sixth Avenue - Entire street. (No parking on West side)
- Eaglewind Boulevard - No perimeter parking near the roundabout at the end of Pemberton Avenue
- Edgewater Drive - Government Road to Edgewater Crescent (No parking on East side)
- Edgewater Crescent - Entire street. (No parking on the outside perimeter of the Crescent)
- No Name Road - Entire street. (No parking on East side)
- Brothers Place - Entire street. (No parking on South side)
- Britannia Avenue - Magee Street to Buckley Avenue. (No parking on East side)
- Harris Road - Government Road to cul-de-sac (No parking on South side)
- Hope Road - Depot Road to Axen Road (No parking on East side)
- Diamond Road- Tantalus Road to Garibaldi Way. No parking on North side.
- Diamond Head Road - Garibaldi Way to Mamquam Road- No parking on West side.
- Glacier View Drive - Entire street. No parking on the outside perimeter.
To find out more, go to: squamish.ca/winter-parking.
(Other) issues to note on the highway
•If you are north on Highway 99, beyond Whistler, watch for slippery sections between Lil'wat Pl and Seton Lake Rd for 45.1 km (Lillooet). There's compact snow.
Gas prices
In Squamish today, the cheapest regular gas is going for 174.9 cents per litre at the Squamish Valley Gas Bar, located at 9001 Valley Dr.
Gas in Whistler is 173.9/L at the Co-op at 2101 Lake Placid Rd.
The cheapest gas in North Vancouver is 179.9/L at the Petro Canada, at 1245 Lonsdale Ave, according to Gas Buddy.
The cheapest gas in B.C. can be found in Williams Lake, where you can fill up for 155.9/L at Petro-Canada, at750 Oliver St.
